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Tokyo Guide: Neon Nights, Sushi Counters & Shrines

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From tucked-away omakase counters to centuries-old shrines hidden between skyscrapers, follow the exact pockets of Tokyo I explored to balance neon city energy with traditional Japanese culture for the ultimate first-time Tokyo experience 🍣

Find the full travel guide here: destination195.com/destinations/3-days-in-tokyo
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things to do in tokyo 🏎️

discover the top sacred sites and modern metropolitan luxuries to explore with 3 days in tokyo. following this list from the top down, race through the streets of shibuya, relax with a traditional head massage, and watch sumo wrestlers duke it out.

 
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a free shinto shrine inside the serene forested area of shibuya—the full yoyogi park grounds cover 170 acres and include around 120,000 trees of 365 different species, creating a peaceful oasis in the heart of tokyo 🌳
Meiji Jingu
 
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colorful, character-filled avenue with everything from rainbow cotton candy the size of your head and potato spiral snacks to mini pig cafes and more exotic animal fun 🐷
Takeshita Street
 
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strap into go-karts wearing onesie character costumes and take off, tokyo drifting down the streets of shibuya for an hour 🏎️
Street Go Kart Experience
 
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promoting hair growth via in-house developed tonics specially prepped to penetrate the dermis layer of your scalp, this healing treatment combines the best of hair care and massage techniques 💆‍♀️
Head Spa Belle Cheveu
 
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file into the glass, high-speed elevator up to the observation deck offering stunning 360° panoramic views of the twinkling tokyo skyline for only ¥2,700 🌆
Shibuya Sky
 
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the primary residence of the emperor of japan and the center of japanese imperial power since the meiji restoration—the expansive chiyoda city grounds surrounded by a moat can only be explored via a free guided tour 🏯
Imperial Palace
 
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the tallest structure in japan when completed in 1958, today a prominent symbol of tokyo's post-war rebirth and modernization during the 20th century economic resurgence—two observation decks at 150 and 250 meters provide spectacular panoramic views ...
Tokyo Tower
 
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the main temple of the jodo sect of japanese buddhism with a gold interior open to the public inside shiba park, accompanied by the rich, musky scent of burning incense 🌟
Zōjō-ji
 
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one of tokyo's oldest public parks with peaceful walking paths in the heart of minato city—find tokyo tower and zōjō-ji temple inside 🎎
Shiba Park
 
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if visiting during one of the three annual grand sumo tournaments in january, may, and september, then marvel at this rich tradition combining athletic prowess, ritualistic discipline, and deep-rooted heritage. otherwise, tour a sumo stable to observ...
Ryogoku Kokugikan
 
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“if tiktok shop came to life," this national chain is famous for their vast and eclectic range of cheap products including everything from groceries, electronics, and household goods to clothing, cosmetics, and luxury items—and good luck getting the ...
Don Quijote
 
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three distinct garden styles—traditional japanese, formal french, and an english landscape garden—in one of tokyo's most popular spots for hanami with over 1,000 cherry trees of various species blooming at different spring times 🌸
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
 
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repair broken pottery with gold lacquer in a kintsugi class to turn something old into something new which is just as, or even more beautiful than before 🏺
TNCA Studio
 
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tokyo’s oldest temple founded in 645 AD dedicated to the buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion reached via nakamise-dori—a lively shopping street filled with over eighty stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts to worshippers 🕋
Sensō-ji
 
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taito city street renowned for over 170 shops specializing in kitchenware, pottery, and ceramics, from everyday dishes to artisan tea sets, sake cups, and rice bowls 🍽️
Kappabashi-dori

where to eat in tokyo 🍤

this carefully curated list ranges from internationally-inspired omakase fine-dining to a catch-your-own-dinner activity. beginning at the top and working your way down follows the order in which i hit each of the best restaurants in tokyo.

 
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a filling yakiniku lunch cooking assorted meat over an open grill—be sure to order a side of white rice to make the meal heartier and pineapple to add a touch of caramelized sweetness 🥩
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
 
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a hidden 12-course, 3-drink omakase restaurant with four counter seats serving as a global culinary experience, each piece of nigiri is crafted in the theme of countries around the world 🍣
The Bellwood
 
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get ingredients straight from the source at one of the world's largest wholesale fish markets. for a sweet treat, stop at the soratsuki booth selling sugar-coated strawberry skewers and fruit-flavored mochi 🐟
Tsukiji Outer Market
 
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fish for your entrée (literally) which is quickly prepared according to your preferences and accompanies the nigiri and appetizers included as part of the set fishing course 🎣
Zauo
 
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tightly packed, narrow alley district retaining the charming post-war japan atmosphere amidst 200+ unique tiny bars each with their own themed decor 🍶
Golden-Gai
 
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the famed sukiyabashi jiro branch run by the second son of chef jiro ono featured in the documentary, “jiro dreams of sushi”—a sublime edomae, or tokyo-style concept handed down from the renowned main restaurant, meaning the quality of sushi served i...
Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi Hills
 
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like all the other locations of this iconic establishment, a meal at nobu is sure to encompass some of the most delicious peruvian-japanese fusion dishes you’ve ever tasted 🍱
Nobu Tokyo